AUDI Q5 READY TO GO ON AIR IN UK

AUDI Q5 READY TO GO ON AIR IN UK

Audi's second generation Q5 is a premium mid-sized SUV that's ready to build upon the solid sales foundation established by its successful predecessor. Jonathan Crouch takes a look at what's on offer.

Ten Second Review

Audi's understated Q5 continues its subtle conquest of the premium compact SUV sector. This second generation model gets a range of more efficient engines and even more car-like driving dynamics that are great on tarmac and are even pretty effective for light off road use. There's loads of advanced technology and a beautifully practical interior crafted in Audi's own inimitable style. In short, if you can afford it, you'd like one.

Background

The second generation version of Audi's Q5 premium compact SUV might not appear to be much different from its predecessor but take it from us: almost everything that could have been improved on this car has been. There's sharper looks, extra technology and more efficient engines that have reduced running costs. Audi, you see, doesn't do things by halves.

Some things haven't changed though. As before, this is the kind of compact SUV you buy if, rather unreasonably, you want something with mastery of the mud as well as the motorway. Something that'll look great in the driveway, keep you mobile in a snowy snap and shrink around you when a twisting road opens up ahead. But is this latest generation version good enough to take on tougher rivals that promise much the same thing?

Driving Experience

Most Q5 customers will want the 190PS 2.0 TDI diesel engine, but low mileage owners shouldn't discount the much improved 252PS 2.0 TFSI petrol unit. You can also talk to your Audi Centre about a 286PS 3.0 TDI six cylinder diesel too. And at the top of the range, the sporting SQ5 variant now switches to petrol power, offering a potent 354PS 3.0 V6 TFSI unit.

The drivetrain of the second generation Q5 has been redeveloped from the ground up - take the revised six-speed manual transmission and the more efficient seven-speed S tronic auto 'box for example. The standard quattro 4WD system is improved too, using Audi's 'ultra' technology to always disengage the rear-axle drive whenever it isn't needed: if necessary, the system can then proactively re-engage it.

Dynamically, Audi has tried to make this Q5 feel sporty yet extremely comfortable. Creating the basis for this are the newly developed five-link suspension set-ups and also the new electromechanical power steering system. Choose a model with adaptive damping and you'll be able to tailor the ride quality via the various settings of the standard 'Audi drive select' vehicle dynamics system. You can do the same thing with the even more sophisticated adaptive air suspension package that's available as an option. Those venturing 'off piste' will be interested in the two new settings added to the 'drive select' set-up - 'lift/offroad' and 'allroad'.

Design and Build

Compared to the previous model, this second generation Q5 has grown in nearly all of its dimensions and takes a defined and taut stance on the road. A sculpturally flared Singleframe grille with a solid frame dominates its aerodynamically flat front end. This feature is flanked by headlights that use either xenon or full-LED technology - or buyers can order Audi's advanced adaptable Matrix LED system as an option. A distinctively curved and strongly undercut shoulder line gives structure to the side view.

At the wheel, a three-dimensional trim strip runs across the entire width of the instrument panel and here's a re-designed three-spoke multifunction steering wheel. This remains a five-seat model and the rear seat is split into three segments. Longitudinal and seat back angle adjustment are optional.

Market and Model

The price positioning of this second generation Q5 hasn't changed very much, so most mainstream models will continue to sell in the £37,000 to £41,000 bracket. There's the usual choice of 'SE', 'Sport' and 'S line' trim levels. This time round, the key option is the 'Audi Virtual Cockpit' a 12.3-inch screen that completely replaces the dials in the instrument binnacle.

As ever with an Audi, media connectivity will be key to many customers. 'MMI navigation plus' uses the 'Audi connect' module to integrate a LTE module and a Wi-Fi hotspot. And a free 'Audi MMI connect app' allows you to monitor your car from your 'phone. You can connect in your handset via the 'Apple CarPlay' or 'Android Auto' systems - and boost its reception via the optional 'Audi phone box' feature. Kids will like the 'Audi tablet' system which provides for rear seat entertainment.

Cost of Ownership

This second generation Q5 has taken a big step forward in terms of efficiency, thanks to a 90kg weight saving over its predecessor. This comes mainly courtesy of the fact that steels with maximum tensile strength and aluminium form an intelligent material mix in the body. It also helps in this regard that the MK2 model Q5 stands at the top of its class in its aerodynamics. The four-cylinder versions attain a cd figure of 0.30 with the aerodynamically optimised roof. As a result, even the petrol engines return surprising good running cost figures.

And residuals? Well, trying to buy a used Q5 is quite a depressing experience as they cling onto their value with some tenacity. This is great news for the new buyer and part of a trend certain to continue with this MK2 model. After the usual three year / 60,000 mile ownership period, expect it still to be worth around 45% of what you originally paid for it.

Summary

This second generation model now faces much tougher competition, but the well considered package of changes made to this smarter, better equipped and higher-tech mid-sized premium SUV should keep it very competitive with cars like Mercedes' GLC and BMW's X3 in the chasing pack. Certainly it's not cheap - but then neither is anything else in this segment and at least you'll get a decent part of your money back at resale time. Resolutely hi-tech and resolutely real world, the Q5 remains resolutely right.

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